Chapter 267

"Wow, what a lavish breakfast today," Li Sanjiang exclaimed. He sat at the table, chopsticks in hand, looking at the array of small dishes and bowls before him, momentarily unsure which to pick first.

Aunt Liu smiled and said, "That girl Linlin is so skillful; I asked her to make a few extra dishes for everyone to try." Aunt Liu was the happiest person that morning; after a long wait, her kitchen had finally been assigned a mule.

Yin Meng, who had previously been rolling her eyes so hard they seemed to float into the sky like white clouds, was now happily eating a steamed bun filled with braised meat. Aunt Liu's cooking was undeniably good, but she usually kept it mild to suit the elders' palates, whereas Yin Meng preferred strong flavors.

True to her nature of both complaining and praising, Yin Meng said to Chen Lin, who was sitting opposite her, "It's delicious, the flavor is really good."

Chen Lin replied, "I was rushed today and couldn't prepare as thoroughly as I'd like. Tomorrow morning, I can prepare two separate servings for you with extra chili."

"Oh, you really shouldn't trouble yourself," Yin Meng demurred.

Chen Lin responded, "I apologize for disturbing your rest last night. This is my way of making amends, and I hope you'll give me this opportunity."

Yin Meng found it a bit much. If Chen Lin were intentionally putting on airs with her refined language, it would be one thing, but Yin Meng could tell that Chen Lin wasn't pretending.

Li Sanjiang interjected, "Meng Hou, you should learn a thing or two from her."

"What should I learn, Grandpa Li?" Yin Meng asked.

"How to cook, of course. You don't usually have to cook at home, but you should at least know how, shouldn't you?" Li Sanjiang replied.

"I..." Yin Meng trailed off.

Tan Wenbin interjected, "Grandpa Li, Mengmeng is actually a great cook. When we're out, she often cooks, and no one who's eaten her food has ever said it wasn't delicious."

"Really?" Li Sanjiang asked.

"Really. Besides, Aunt Liu manages the household fine by herself. If too many people start cooking, and we eat breakfast like this every day, our family fortune wouldn't be enough to sustain it."

"Ah, well, you only live once. Spending money on food is never a waste; at least you get to eat well," Li Sanjiang chuckled.

However, what Zhuang Zhuang said made sense, so Li Sanjiang dropped the topic. Liu Yumei took a bite of a siomai; the taste was indeed excellent.

Yet, looking at Chen Lin, who seemed like a completely different person from the previous day, the old woman couldn't help but sigh. In history, when the Yin-Yang School flourished, it produced several generations of masters. To say they could move mountains and fill seas was certainly an exaggeration, but their ability to influence wind and rain and bring peace to the common people was very real.

Unfortunately, later generations of inheritors had long lost the grandeur of their ancestors, resorting to concepts like "yin" and "yang" aspects merely to secure their own survival.

After the meal, Tan Wenbin approached Liu Yumei and prepared tea for the old woman.

Liu Yumei teased, "After all this time, why hasn't your tea-making improved?"

"If everyone made good tea, wouldn't it all taste the same? At least I can offer you something fresh, Grandma," Tan Wenbin replied.

"How 'fresh' indeed," Liu Yumei retorted, "You're just wasting my tea leaves."

"Alright, with words like that, I'll be too embarrassed to even drink and take some later," Tan Wenbin joked.

"You rascal, am I a stingy person, Grandma?" Liu Yumei chided.

"Of course not. That's why I'm here to ask if you could make two sets of clothes for Yunyun. Last night, I saw them both in pajamas — one was quite exquisite, and the other was an old dress repurposed. It just didn't sit right with me."

Liu Yumei looked at Tan Wenbin with a faint smile, nodding slightly, and said, "Understood."

"I knew you cared about me, Grandma," Tan Wenbin said.

"Have your young lady come over, and I'll take her measurements and ask about her preferences," Liu Yumei instructed.

"Your taste is infinitely superior to ours, Grandma, isn't it? There's no need for measurements; your eyes are the best ruler," Tan Wenbin flattered.

"Such a smooth talker," Liu Yumei chuckled. "I'll make a few sets for now. When you two get married later, I'll prepare two formal outfits for you."

"Shall I bring my Yunyun to offer you tea first, Grandma?" Tan Wenbin asked.

"No need for such formalities," Liu Yumei waved off. "You are, after all, the Dragon King's chief herald for our family. Our family members' clothes and expenses should never be outdone by those from smaller, less prominent households."

"I honestly hadn't thought of that," Tan Wenbin admitted. "I just felt that our family is still in the early stages of revitalization, so there's no need to compare expenses. My bringing it up today was merely a display of male vanity."

"Putting on an act!" Li Sanjiang scoffed.

Deliveries were scheduled for two families today, one to the south and one to the north, so two teams had to be arranged. Uncle Qin and Xiong Shan would go south, while Run Sheng and Lin Shuyou would go north.

Chen Lin was washing dishes, watching Lin Shuyou load and tie down tables, chairs, and benches onto the cart, batch by batch. This scene felt very unfamiliar to Chen Lin.

Then she saw Grandpa Li, who, with a chuckle, playfully kicked Lin Shuyou's backside and ruffled his hair, scolding him with a smile, "You haven't worked in a while, have you? You don't even know if you've tied it wrong; it'll slide off on the road!" Lin Shuyou showed no annoyance, simply gave a dutiful "yes," untied the ropes, and re-secured them.

A look of increased reverence entered Chen Lin's eyes as she watched Li Sanjiang. She had now realized that the people here seemed extraordinary, and this Grandpa Li was likely the most mysterious and powerful among them.

Tan Wenbin walked over and said, "A-You, I'll go deliver the goods. You stay here."

Lin Shuyou shook his head like a rattle-drum. "No, Brother Bin, I'll go."

Since morning, Chen Lin's gaze had been constantly on him, making Lin Shuyou's face flush with embarrassment. In his entire life, he had only ever had a fleeting, vague crush on Zhou Yunyun, and that was quickly squashed. If unrequited crushes counted as dating experience, then nearly every guy in the male dorms would be a master of romance.

Li Sanjiang chimed in, "Yes, let You Hou go. Zhuang Zhuang, you've been away for so long; you need to rest and spend time with Yun Hou."

"Grandpa Li, A-You also has someone to accompany," Tan Wenbin countered.

Li Sanjiang shook his head. "It's different. You've got a sure thing there, but he doesn't yet. It's only right to secure what's certain first."

Zhou Yunyun walked out, wiping her hands, and asked with a smile, "What are you all talking about?"

"Grandpa Li is afraid you'll run off, so he's advising me to keep a close eye on you," Tan Wenbin quipped.

"Brat," Li Sanjiang muttered.

Chen Lin approached Lin Shuyou and asked, "Shall I go with you to deliver the goods?"

"No need, I can manage," Lin Shuyou replied.

With that, Lin Shuyou pulled the large flatbed cart down the embankment in one go, then, without slowing down, continued forward, finally making a remarkably smooth turn onto the village road.

Li Sanjiang watched with satisfaction. As long as the family mule was well-fed, it could run just as well as any motorized vehicle.

"Sister Liu.""Sister Liu."

In the distance, three old sisters, led by Liu Jinxia, approached together. That day, they had played cards, losing track of how much they won or lost, only feeling how quickly time passed until it was dusk and Ting Hou announced it was late, prompting them to go home. After that day, news spread that Liu Yumei was feeling unwell and had gone to Shanghai for medical treatment. If it had been the town or city, the three old sisters could have visited her, but Shanghai was too far for them. Once Liu Yumei recovered, she asked Aunt Liu to invite them over for cards again.

Aunt Liu, as usual, went to boil water and prepare a fruit platter. Chen Lin came in to help carry things.

"Put those down. I've already put you to work this morning; I can't keep imposing on you," Aunt Liu said.

"It's no trouble at all. I don't have anything else to do anyway, and being busy makes me feel more settled," Chen Lin replied.

Aunt Liu asked, "Are you like this at home too?"

Chen Lin shook her head. "No, but I do know how to do everything I should."

Before leaving home, she was, after all, a young lady of the Chen family, and even after leaving, she never lacked for material comforts. However, she did possess the skill of reading people and situations. Since Lin Shuyou had to go make deliveries, it was only right for her to lend a hand here.

Tan Wenbin approached the card table, offered a cigarette to both Granny Hua and Liu Jinxia, and helped light them, then inquired about the two children from Wang Lian's family. Finally, he said to Liu Yumei, "Grandma, I'm taking Yunyun out for a stroll."

Liu Yumei nodded, "Three dots."

Tan Wenbin pushed his bicycle out and rode with Zhou Yunyun down the embankment. It was a rare opportunity for the two to be together in a normal setting, and the weather was good. Tan Wenbin planned to first visit the grave of their former classmate, Zheng Haiyang, with Zhou Yunyun, and then go sweep the graves of his godfathers.

Chen Lin, meanwhile, circled the card table, serving tea and water. When she had a moment, she stood behind Liu Yumei, waiting. If one were to stratify the household, those who didn't need to work would surely be a step above those who did. Liu Yumei, who could sit and play cards so early in the morning, should be on par with Grandpa Li.

Liu Jinxia and Granny Hua curiously asked Liu Yumei who the girl was. Liu Yumei vaguely mumbled a few words, offering no introduction, so the two old women didn't press further. It would have been easy enough to invent a story about a grand-niece or something similar, but Liu Yumei was a woman of her word; even a perfunctory acknowledgment would require granting corresponding benefits and treatment. For now, it seemed the girl wasn't yet qualified for that. While the girl's apparent innocence and politeness were genuine, to claim she truly understood nothing and had no ulterior motives would be to underestimate her.

Miss Liu, of course, was well-versed in the intricacies of this place. She thought, "Just keep working at it. As long as you can win over that Lin boy, I won't mind giving you some benefits."

The delivery team also had to help set up and arrange things for the hosts, who naturally provided lunch. So, at noon, Chen Lin ate alone. However, Mengmeng, fearing she might be lonely, voluntarily sat next to her to keep her company and, incidentally, asked about cooking-related matters. Chen Lin shared everything she knew, and Yin Meng listened with great interest.

Aunt Liu's eye twitched slightly as she ate; she knew her apprentice had always harbored a strong passion for cooking.

In the afternoon, Liu Yumei's card game continued. After Chen Lin arranged the tea and pastries, she went to help Yin Meng make coffins. She quickly got the hang of it, drawing lines and marking clearly, and soon worked in coordination with Yin Meng.

When it was Liu Yumei's turn to sit out, she stood up to stretch and noticed the two girls intently making coffins. "Heh," she mused, "one a descendant of Yin Changsheng, the other an inheritor of the Yin-Yang School, and now both are artisans in a coffin shop."

In the afternoon, Lin Shuyou and Run Sheng returned. Yin Meng casually picked up a piece of old cloth and vigorously patted the dust off Run Sheng's clothes. Run Sheng spread his arms, turning around, allowing her to pat him down.

"Shouldn't you go see your grandpa now?" Yin Meng asked.

Run Sheng shook his head. "Grandpa Li said Grandpa will come over tomorrow, so we don't need to go today. Tonight, Grandpa will definitely be fasting to save his appetite, and if we went, we'd have to eat their food. He'd be unhappy and say we don't know how to live efficiently, like carrying rocks up a mountain for no reason."

"That's true," Yin Meng agreed.

Chen Lin offered a cup of tea to Lin Shuyou. He hesitated for a moment but accepted it. After drinking it, he took a large teapot from Run Sheng and guzzled down a mouthful of water.

Chen Lin also wanted to imitate Yin Meng and pat the dust off Lin Shuyou's clothes, but what she pulled out was a handkerchief. Patting a man with that would look like flirting.

Chen Lin asked, "Do you miss home?"

Lin Shuyou shook his head. "No, and it's not convenient for me to go back right now." If he were to return now, there was a certain probability that the Yin gods in his family's temple would collectively descend and challenge him, turning a visit home into a fight.

"You'll be able to go back after a while," Lin Shuyou said. After all, the Lu family wouldn't exist much longer, and the pressure the Chen family faced would naturally disappear.

Chen Lin misunderstood, thinking Lin Shuyou wanted to send her away soon. She lowered her head and softly said, "I'll go back with Yunyun."

In the distance, on the village road, Tan Wenbin rode his bicycle with Zhou Yunyun on the back, her arms around his waist. They chatted and laughed, looking very happy and relaxed. The affection between young people could be so simple; a bicycle and a road lined with rapeseed flowers were enough to make them feel content. As they approached the embankment, they became more reserved again.

After greeting everyone, Tan Wenbin went into the house, lay down in a coffin, pulled out his "Big Brother" mobile phone, and called Xue Liangliang. The call connected, and their conversation went smoothly.

Xue Liangliang, once Nantong's folk diving champion, had long been unable to visit the Yangtze River, which he thought of day and night. Thus, he greatly valued the delivery of his longing, and no ordinary postal worker could, or dared, undertake this delivery service.

Tan Wenbin hinted that having only one mobile phone was inconvenient. Xue Liangliang grumbled, "Next time, just say so directly. Any problem that money can solve isn't a problem."

After hanging up, just as he was about to climb out of the coffin, another call came in. It was Lu Yi.

"Binbin."

"Brother Lu, what's up?"

"There's a message for you. It says to find some time to go to the riverside."

"Oh, okay, got it. How's business at the shop lately?"

"It's even better since we expanded."

The second floor, originally the university's activity room, had been rented out and converted into a billiard hall and video arcade. Previously, the shop only served the students in that particular residential area of the school, but now students from other areas would also specifically come here to spend money. Of course, most people couldn't operate like this, as it went against regulations and could easily draw criticism. However, Xue Liangliang's name was still on the business license, and he continuously made significant donations to the school, so the school reciprocated by overlooking such minor irregularities.

After dinner, Tan Wenbin drove out in the family's small pickup truck. For baby products and such, he could simply go to Beard's house and ask Xiao Yingying.

Xiong Shan and Lihua were not very attentive to the child now, but the deceased was truly devoted, choosing the best for the child's food, drink, and daily necessities. Her wages certainly wouldn't cover these expenses, so it was likely she had taken some of that person's burial offerings and sold them for money. That person must have known but turned a blind eye, as it was, after all, the child they had personally named.

After visiting Benben, Tan Wenbin came out with his items, sat in the car, and as soon as he started the engine, his tear ducts seemed to activate as well. Ever since his shoulders had felt empty, his heart had always felt a void, and he was very unaccustomed to it. But the thought that those two children had now reincarnated into wealthy families to enjoy a comfortable life brought him immense comfort.

He drove to the riverside, to a familiar spot. Getting out with his items, he first waved some yellow paper and tossed it into the river, then threw in the gifts that symbolized his heartfelt intentions. Soon, a whirlpool appeared, drawing all the gifts in.

Xue Liangliang was not short on money, nor would Baijia Town lack for these small items. The gifts were merely a formality, intended to ease the pain of longing. A curtain of water rose, and the figure of Baijia Niangzi, clad in silver-white, slowly ascended, finally stepping onto the river surface. As the water curtain fell, she deliberately revealed her form to Tan Wenbin.

"My Lord.""Sister-in-law."

They greeted each other using their respective terms of address.

Tan Wenbin pointed to his eyes and said, "Pull your clothes tight and let me see if you're showing yet."

Baijia Niangzi obediently reached for the sides of her clothing and pulled them back; her lower abdomen was clearly rounded. This child was truly not easy to conceive.

The phantom image of a black python swirled in Tan Wenbin's eyes. "Turn around. I'll take a few more pictures to send to Brother Liangliang so he can be happy too." Baijia Niangzi nodded and began to turn.

After taking the pictures, Tan Wenbin rubbed his sore eyes. To develop clearer photos with richer details, the strain on his eyes was considerable.

With his personal matters taken care of, Tan Wenbin asked, "Was it you who informed me?"

"Yes," she replied.

Baijia Niangzi clapped her hands. Beside her, eight coffins of varying colors and sizes slowly materialized, forming a circle. Within the circle, chains bound a massive soul-shadow.

"A Soul General," Tan Wenbin stated.

"Yes," Baijia Niangzi confirmed.

Before the old man entered Nantong, he had left his strongest Soul General outside. Now, this Soul General had been captured by the Bai family. Originally, given the old man's status, Baijia Town had agreed to help him find someone, but since he became involved with "Corpse-Retrieving Li," his status was naturally revoked.

"Destroy it," Tan Wenbin commanded.

"Yes," she responded.

The eight coffins began to stretch outward, and the Soul General's body slowly tore apart. Tan Wenbin stood on the bank, witnessing the entire process. They were demonstrating their stance, and he was there to observe.

Afterward, Baijia Niangzi spoke, "My Lord, my Baijia Town is willing to send people to punish the Lu family for their offense."

Tan Wenbin understood, his gaze turning cold in silent agreement. Before, he would have had to put on an act, but now his snake-like eyes simply revealed their true nature.

"If you can't control your subordinates, I'll discipline them for you! This is outrageous!" Tan Wenbin declared, then turned and left without another word.

Baijia Niangzi bowed in farewell, a subtle smile playing on her lips. Her pregnancy had lasted an exceptionally long time, leaving her in a very weakened state, which diminished her deterrent power over her subordinates. Fortunately, she had external support.

The next two days passed peacefully. As Tan Wenbin needed to prepare to host Zhao Yi and his group, he couldn't go to Jinling. And since Zhou Yunyun wasn't returning for a holiday, Tan Wenbin personally sought out his prospective father-in-law and asked him to call the school, requesting a leave of absence for Zhou Yunyun on the grounds of her ill health.

Zhou Yunyun hadn't expected her father to agree so readily to such an unreliable excuse.

Business had been good for Li Sanjiang's family recently, and Lin Shuyou actively helped Run Sheng with deliveries. Once, as they returned from a delivery, they passed the snack street in Shigang Town. Run Sheng stopped to buy some fried skewers, asking the vendor to add extra chili.

Lin Shuyou also felt a bit hungry, but he preferred milder flavors, so he bought a few large flatbreads. He ate them as he pulled the cart back home, with only one left by the time they arrived.

Yin Meng came over to dust off Run Sheng, and Run Sheng handed her a bag of fried skewers.

Lin Shuyou was speechless. Chen Lin, now also prepared with a large piece of cloth, mimicked Yin Meng, taking from Lin Shuyou... a large flatbread.

"Hahaha!" Tan Wenbin, sitting on the embankment nearby, laughed so hard tears streamed down his face. He shouted, "My parents weren't even this down-to-earth when they were dating!"

The next morning, Tan Wenbin was sitting beside Liu Yumei, watching her play cards, when his mobile phone rang. He answered it, and immediately a clear, aloof voice came from the other end: "I've arrived in Nantong territory. Come pick me up, Chief Attendant Tan."

Liu Yumei played her hand and casually asked, "Who is that, speaking with such arrogance?"

On the other end of the line, Zhao Yi froze, an ominous premonition rising from the depths of his heart.

Tan Wenbin replied, "It's the one who initially wanted to propose marriage to our Ah Li."

Zhao Yi was silent.